Chinese FM meets Indonesisan/ Malaysian counterparts

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts from Malaysia and Indonesia in city of Nanping in China's souast Fujian Province on Friday, as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in region amid a sharp downturn in relations with Washington.

State brocaster CCTV said Wang told Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein that China was willing to enhance cooperation with Malaysia on "One Belt, One Ro" program and peace and stability of Souast Asia.

CCTV also quoted Hishammuddin saying that Malaysia will always be a "good friend and partner" of China.

two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on establishing a high-level cooperation committee of two countries, CCTV reported.

During talks with Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi, Wang Yi said China would like to enhance coordination with Indonesia in international affairs.

Retno expressed willingness of Indonesia to promote cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines, according to CCTV.

Wang Yi met with foreign minister of Singapore Vivian Balakrishnan on Wednesday and Philippines foreign mister Teodoro Locsin on Thursday.

After wrapping up his meetings with his Souast Asian counterparts on Friday, Wang is to meet South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong in sourn port of Xiamen on Saturday amid tensions over North Korea, which relies on Chinese economic and political support.